Woman stabbed during foiled robbery in New Bedford

A woman was stabbed in the hand as two men tried to steal her purse Sunday morning in the South End, police said.

NEW BEDFORD — A woman was stabbed in the hand as two men tried to steal her purse Sunday morning in the South End, police said.

Two suspects were arrested a short time later. Iseies Costa, 19, of 29 Cleveland St. and Cadete Antunes, 21, of 30 Ashley St., both of New Bedford, are charged with armed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon, according to Detective Capt. Steven Vicente, head of the Major Crimes Unit.

According to police, Costa and Antunes approached a homeless couple at about 6:30 a.m. behind the Shaw's plaza on Cove Road, and Costa demanded money and attempted to steal the woman's purse.

During a struggle, Costa slashed the woman on the hand with a small pocket knife, causing a small cut, police said. The victim refused medical attention.

Police said no money was taken and the purse was recovered at the scene. The suspects fled west on Cove Road.

Officers Orlando Riley and Jonathan Pavao spotted Costa and Antunes walking on Brock Avenue a short time later and took them into custody, according to Vicente. Police found a small pocket knife on Costa.

Police said Costa also suffered a small cut on the hand during the robbery.